Dissecting Most Crucial Matchups in Bucs' Week 9 Contest with Browns

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers missed out on a golden opportunity in last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, falling at home to arguably the most beatable opponent remaining on their schedule.

The Bucs’ next test will come within far less friendly confines, as they make the trek north to face a surprising Cleveland Browns team that despite sitting at the bottom of the AFC North is sporting a 4-3 record.

The landscape of the NFC South is similar in density, but that's due to the collective futility of its teams rather than their success. Tampa Bay is just two games back of the division lead despite its awful 1-6 record.

It’s hard to find many positives in a team that’s only tasted victory once in seven tries, but the Bucs do still have a few areas of strength on their roster, and they’ll be relied on heavily in this week’s matchup. There are also plenty of positions where underachievement has crippled Tampa Bay so far this season, and the team will need certain players to step up and earn their hefty paychecks this week.

Let’s take a look at three key individual matchups the Bucs have to win in Week 9.

Gerald McCoy vs. Joel Bitonio

One of them is a two-time Pro Bowler who just signed a lucrative extension that will make him the highest-paid player in the entire league at his position. The other is a rookie second-rounder whose beard gets made fun of by his teammates.

But when McCoy and Bitonio face off in the trenches this week, it’s likely to be the premier matchup between two of the best players on the field.

Along with linebacker Lavonte David, McCoy has been one of the few bright spots on the league’s worst defense, consistently disruptive despite little pass-rushing help and playing through a broken hand since Week 3. McCoy signed a seven-year contract extension last week that includes $51.5 million in guaranteed money, and the captain responded by notching Tampa Bay’s only sack in an overtime loss to the Vikings.

Tony Dejak/Associated Press

Bitonio is playing at such a high level so far in his rookie season that he’s put himself in the conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year, a rarity for linemen, let alone an interior one. Bitonio played tackle at Nevada but has made a smooth transition inside to the guard spot, quickly becoming one of the highest-graded players at that position, according to Pro Football Focus.

Bitonio’s play is a big reason why the Browns have the 12th-best rushing attack in the NFL, while allowing just 10 sacks through their first six games.

McCoy is no stranger to stellar grades from PFF. The former third overall pick has been one of the league’s best at his position since he entered the league:

The tone of this game will be set at the point of attack, and that starts with the battle for leverage between McCoy and Bitonio. Whoever can control the line of scrimmage in this matchup will go a long way toward leading his team to victory.

Vincent Jackson vs. Joe Haden

The trade deadline has passed, and Vincent Jackson remains a Tampa Bay Buccaneer despite rampant rumors over the past two weeks, as noted by NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. The veteran pass-catcher will quickly get an opportunity to prove he was worth keeping by facing off in Week 9 against one of the best cover corners in the league.

Bill Haber/Associated Press

Jackson made sense as potential trade fodder due to his age—31—and his lefty price tag—over $10 million per year—but he’s still playing at a high level and provides much-needed leadership on the field and in the locker room to a young, struggling team.

The Tampa Bay offense is at its best when Jackson has a significant impact, as evidenced by his game-winning touchdown catch in the final seconds against the Pittsburgh Steelers and his season-high eight catches for 144 yards in an overtime loss to the division-rival New Orleans Saints.

Though his season totals aren’t terribly impressive, Jackson is still the Bucs’ leading receiver with 26 catches for 357 yards—though rookie Mike Evans is hot on his heels in both categories and they each have a pair of touchdown catches.

Haden has evolved from being one of the most promising young corners in the NFL into one of the top overall players at the position. The Florida product reminded fans last week of how big of an impact he can have on a game, notching nine tackles and two pass deflections and a 34-yard fumble return in the win over the Oakland Raiders.

"

As I noted late last night: Richard Sherman, Patrick Peterson and Joe Haden have combined for 0 interceptions this year.

— ken-drick lamarthur (@KennethArthuRS) October 28, 2014"

Listed at 6’5”, Jackson has a considerable height advantage over Haden, who comes in at 5’11”, but the Browns cover man makes up for his lack of size with fantastic ball skills and athleticism. Jackson has struggled with drops at times this season, and he’ll have to make the most of every opportunity against Haden, using his superior size to his advantage.

Anthony Collins vs. Paul Kruger

This matchup is a tale of two high-priced free-agent signings, neither of whom has particularly lived up to expectations with his new team.

The Bucs let go of left tackle Donald Penn last offseason, choosing instead to sign the younger Collins to a five-year deal worth $30 million. But the former Cincinnati Bengal has been an expensive disappointment in his first stab at being a full-time starter, struggling to protect the quarterback and committing costly penalties on multiple occasions.

Kruger has traveled a similar road for the Browns since signing a five-year, $40-million contract prior to the 2013 season. But the former Baltimore Raven failed to provide the high sack totals expected of a premier edge-rusher, managing just 4.5 sacks in 2013.

Up until last week’s game, Kruger had only notched two sacks in his second season in the Dawg Pound, but he enjoyed a coming-out party in Week 8's win over the Oakland Raiders, tallying three sacks of rookie quarterback Derek Carr.

Kruger is surrounded by a strong linebacking corps across the board, all of whom are likely licking their chops this week as they look forward to this matchup against a porous Tampa Bay offensive line. If the Bucs want any kind of efficiency on offense this week, Collins will have to live up to the high expectations that come along with his pay grade and keep Kruger from blowing up Mike Glennon’s blind side.

Luke Easterling is a Featured Columnist covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and NFL Draft for Bleacher Report. He is also the Editor/Senior Writer of The Draft Report. Follow him on Twitter @LukeEasterling.